- A
RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN that is trunked between switches to carry mirrored traffic.
Correct because the RSPAN VLAN is a special VLAN used exclusively for transporting mirrored packets across switches.
- B
The RSPAN VLAN can also be used for regular user data traffic if needed.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the RSPAN VLAN must be dedicated solely for RSPAN traffic; user traffic is not allowed.
- C
The RSPAN VLAN must be allowed on all trunk links between the source and destination switches.
Correct because the RSPAN VLAN must be present on all intermediate trunks to ensure the mirrored traffic reaches the destination.
- D
The RSPAN destination port can be a regular access port in the RSPAN VLAN.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the RSPAN destination port must be configured as a switchport in RSPAN VLAN mode (monitor session destination) and is not a regular access port.
- E
RSPAN requires that all switches in the path support the RSPAN feature.
Correct because all switches involved in transporting the RSPAN VLAN must support the RSPAN feature to properly handle the mirrored traffic.
Quick Answer
The answer is that RSPAN requires all switches in the path to support the RSPAN feature. This is correct because Remote Switched Port Analyzer (RSPAN) extends the concept of local SPAN by transporting mirrored traffic across multiple switches using a dedicated RSPAN VLAN, which must be created and consistently configured on every switch in the path to ensure the mirrored frames are forwarded correctly. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how RSPAN differs from local SPAN and the critical requirement that the RSPAN VLAN must not be pruned from trunk links, as pruning would break the traffic flow. A common trap is assuming any VLAN can be used for RSPAN, but the RSPAN VLAN must be reserved exclusively for mirrored traffic and cannot carry user data. For a quick memory tip, remember the three pillars of RSPAN: dedicated VLAN, all switches in the path must support it, and no pruning on trunks.
350-401 SPAN and RSPAN Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of span and rspan. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which three statements about RSPAN are true? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN that is trunked between switches to carry mirrored traffic.
RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN to transport mirrored traffic across switches. The RSPAN VLAN must be created on all switches in the path and should not be used for user traffic. Trunk ports carry the RSPAN VLAN, and the destination switch receives the traffic on an RSPAN destination port. The RSPAN VLAN must not be pruned from trunks.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN that is trunked between switches to carry mirrored traffic.
- ✗
The RSPAN VLAN can also be used for regular user data traffic if needed.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the RSPAN VLAN must be dedicated solely for RSPAN traffic; user traffic is not allowed.
- ✓
The RSPAN VLAN must be allowed on all trunk links between the source and destination switches.
- ✗
The RSPAN destination port can be a regular access port in the RSPAN VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the RSPAN destination port must be configured as a switchport in RSPAN VLAN mode (monitor session destination) and is not a regular access port.
- ✓
RSPAN requires that all switches in the path support the RSPAN feature.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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SPAN and RSPAN — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
SPAN and RSPAN — This question tests SPAN and RSPAN — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN that is trunked between switches to carry mirrored traffic. — RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN to transport mirrored traffic across switches. The RSPAN VLAN must be created on all switches in the path and should not be used for user traffic. Trunk ports carry the RSPAN VLAN, and the destination switch receives the traffic on an RSPAN destination port. The RSPAN VLAN must not be pruned from trunks.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which three statements about RSPAN configuration and behavior are true? (Choose three.)
medium- ✓ A.The RSPAN VLAN must be created on all switches that participate in the RSPAN session.
- B.The RSPAN destination port must be configured in access mode and assigned to the RSPAN VLAN.
- ✓ C.Trunk ports between switches must allow the RSPAN VLAN and should not prune it.
- ✓ D.The RSPAN source switch encapsulates the mirrored frames with the RSPAN VLAN ID.
- E.RSPAN can only monitor source ports on the same switch as the destination port.
Why A: RSPAN requires a dedicated VLAN that is not used for user traffic. The RSPAN VLAN must be created on all switches in the path, and the destination switch must have a destination port configured. The RSPAN VLAN should not be pruned from trunks. The source switch sends mirrored frames into the RSPAN VLAN, and the destination switch extracts them.
Variation 2. Which three statements about RSPAN are true? (Choose three.)
hard- ✓ A.The RSPAN VLAN must be allowed on all trunk links between the source and destination switches.
- B.The RSPAN VLAN can be used for normal data traffic if needed.
- ✓ C.On the destination switch, the RSPAN destination port is placed into the RSPAN VLAN.
- D.RSPAN supports egress mirroring on the source switch.
- ✓ E.The RSPAN VLAN must be configured on all switches in the path between source and destination.
Why A: RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN that must be allowed on trunk links between switches. The RSPAN VLAN should not be used for any other traffic. The destination port on the remote switch is placed in the RSPAN VLAN. RSPAN does not support egress mirroring on the source switch (only ingress). The RSPAN VLAN does not participate in STP normally, but it can be configured to do so.
Variation 3. Which statement about RSPAN is true?
medium- ✓ A.RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN to transport mirrored traffic from source to destination switches.
- B.RSPAN can only monitor traffic within the same switch.
- C.RSPAN requires the use of ERSPAN encapsulation.
- D.RSPAN destination ports must be in trunk mode.
Why A: RSPAN uses a dedicated VLAN to transport mirrored traffic across multiple switches, allowing remote monitoring.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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